Undercroft facts for kids

An undercroft is like a special basement or cellar found in old buildings, especially those from the Middle Ages. Think of it as a cool, often strong room built underground or partly underground. These rooms usually have strong brick walls and a vaulted ceiling, which means the ceiling is curved like an arch. People used undercrofts mainly for storage, keeping things safe and cool.

What is an Undercroft?

An undercroft is a space beneath a building, similar to a basement or cellar. However, it's often built with very strong materials like stone or brick. A key feature is its vaulted ceiling. This means the ceiling isn't flat but curved, like a series of arches. This design made the undercroft very strong and able to support heavy structures above it.

Why Were They Built?

Undercrofts were built for several important reasons:

• Storage: Their main purpose was to store food, wine, and other goods. The underground location kept things cool and dark, which was perfect for preserving items before refrigerators existed.
• Strength: The vaulted ceilings and thick walls made undercrofts incredibly strong. This meant they could support large, heavy buildings like castles, cathedrals, or grand houses built on top.
• Security: Being partly or fully underground, undercrofts were often more secure than other parts of a building. This made them good places to keep valuable items safe.
• Foundation: In some cases, the undercroft served as a strong foundation for the building above, especially on uneven ground.

Where Can You Find Undercrofts?

You can find undercrofts in many historic buildings, especially those built during the Middle Ages and later.

• Castles and Palaces: Many castles had undercrofts for storing provisions and military supplies.
• Cathedrals and Churches: Large religious buildings often had undercrofts, sometimes called crypts, used for burials or storing church treasures.
• Guildhalls: Buildings used by medieval trade groups, like the Blakeney Guildhall in Norfolk, often had undercrofts. These might have been used for storing goods, holding meetings, or even as shops.
• Merchant Houses: Wealthy merchants sometimes had undercrofts beneath their homes. They used these spaces to store goods they planned to sell or to keep their personal belongings safe.

Famous Examples of Undercrofts

Many famous buildings around the world feature undercrofts. For example, the Palace of Westminster in London, where the British Parliament meets, has a large undercroft. This space has been used for various purposes over the centuries, from a dining hall to a storage area. These historical spaces give us a glimpse into how people lived and worked hundreds of years ago.

Images for kids

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  The Undercroft at Blakeney Guildhall in Norfolk.